Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 12, 2008 09:00 AM
Sticky Valves?
Hello Everyone! This is my first post to the site, though I have replied to one earlier. I enjoy reading all the threads, it'll take me forever to get up to speed.
Here's the deal. I recently bought the '08 ZX-14 and have put on 3000 miles so far. I use it for commuting to work, which is all day. It's a nice ride for an 8 hour day on the road.
Problem: I have a two day job in Olympia, Wa and drove over from Spokane, Wa. Half way here it starts to feel like either the fuel system is clogged or valves need adjusting. At around 3500 RPM it starts to dog pretty bad. If I keep it over 5000 it's hidden a bit, but it's there. Gas milage went in the tank.
I got here okay and can drive it just fine. I'm sure I'd make it home because it doesn't look like any shop can take me in. So my question is, "is it just me or does this sort of thing happen all the time?". My last bike, which I still have, was a 1985 900 Ninja. I've had tons of problems with the valves and eventually replaced them last year. ( I don't do my own work). Even now, those valves feel crappy at low rpms. But I'll deal with that one later.
I was also curious as to what to expect from my completely stock 14. I thought it would come with enough power to wheelie without working the clutch. I'm not going to do it often, I just expected it would be there.
Thanks!
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
  
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port_angeles_ninja
Expert Class
Posts: 388
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posted June 12, 2008 09:11 AM
Welcome to the site, there are a lot of guys here with a huge amount of knowledge somebody should be along shortly with an idea of what could be wrong with your bike.
I have not seen any posts here at all about these kind of problems with a stock 14. I have an '07 with about 10,000 miles on it and have not had a single problem of any kind with it.
As far as wheelies, the 14 is not a wheeie-happy bike while stock but it will definitely do power wheelies in 1st and 2nd gear without the clutch. If yours won't maybe that is another symptom of your problem. Is your FI light on the dash lit?
I also have an '85 900 ninja, both are awesome bikes. Good Luck with your problem.
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Red/Black 85' GPZ900
Blue 07' ZX14
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 12, 2008 09:24 AM
Thanks for your reply port_angeles_ninja. BTW, that's a great place to be.
My son told me he got the front end up on it, buy all I've gotten from any rpm was a severe lurtch and plenty of pull. I did notice a few rough starts though that I'm sure is part of it too. The '08 is supposed to be better in the lower and mid revs than the '07, so now I'm worried I got a dud...
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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port_angeles_ninja
Expert Class
Posts: 388
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posted June 12, 2008 09:57 AM
Yeah, it sounds like something is definitely going on with it. I personally try to avoid wheelies, but if i launch it hard it always carries the front wheel for a ways.
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Red/Black 85' GPZ900
Blue 07' ZX14
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Superman T
Pro
Posts: 1831
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posted June 12, 2008 12:02 PM
Some guy- If you are having fueling/power issues, than I'm sure this is playing a role in the deception of power allowance. Also keep in mind that your bike is still relatively new and power shall increase a bit in time(up to a certain point). Optomistic point- Your bike is covered under warrenty and the dealershp should be able to restore it to proper expectatons. 1 last thing- when entertaining wheelies, the 14 is a solid beast but the suspension is VERY forgiving....most all that claim to power wheelie have their bike's suspension strapped to give more deliverence to the back tire. This small adjustment will do wonders for the bike(along with the other mods suggested on this board). Have fun, welcome, and be safe!
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 12, 2008 12:28 PM
Superman T - Thanks for your response. As I've stated, I'm not a wheelie rider, just an occaisional statement is fine. I was using it as a measuring stick for power since I don't have any friends with Dyno's lying around.
When breaking it in I may have been a little too conservative Most of those miles are straightaway highway miles. So I didn't get too much chance to vary the rpms during the first 600 miles. With that in mind, I have read much that indicates anything but steady highway miles is recommended during the break-in. Don't get me wrong, I did move around at all engine speeds, but most miles were done at 3500-5000 rpm.
This has nothing to do with the problem I'm having at the moment, I've just been curious all this time.
I'll add a bit more history that might spark some ideas. The first time I noticed the current behavior was just after driving through some Seattle rain. However, after adding some STP cleanout stuff, and some high rev's, it went away. A week later it happened again. This time all the rev's and cleanout goop couldn't save the queen.
I know it's covered under warranty, because like a sucker, I bought the xtra service plan. I'm just 350 miles from home and would like to have a good idea what's going on.
Thanks again!
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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Superman T
Pro
Posts: 1831
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posted June 12, 2008 12:42 PM
I know this must be a long shot but I wonder if the 14 would behave radical if the airfilter was plugged hypothectically. I haven't had a bit of problem with my 14 to base my thoughts so.....just wondering. I will keep close to this thread to learn/understand this. Please keep us posted.... G -luck traveling back home!
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BIGZXDADDY
Expert Class
Posts: 270
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posted June 12, 2008 05:44 PM
 Edited By: BIGZXDADDY on 12 Jun 2008 18:48
could be wrong but i think there were a couple of posts a while back with similar problems due to faulty/fouling spark plugs assuming you don't have a poorly grounded pc. i think there a few loose battery cables also
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"never drive faster than you can see, besides it's all in the reflexes"
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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted June 12, 2008 06:05 PM
check your gas cap vent too.
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Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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some guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 12, 2008 07:41 PM
The bike is still completely stock, no PC yet. I'll go check the battery and plugs. I don't think I'll be able to get the plug out with the tools in the onboard kit, but I'll snoop around a bit.
Don't know what to check on the gas cap. I've had to put gas in twice as much getting here, didn't see anything different.
Thanks for any and all opinions!
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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3boysand3bikes
Expert Class
Posts: 382
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posted June 12, 2008 08:57 PM
I would check the airbox.... there have been a few bikes that had a lot of oil sitting in the air box. I can't remember exactly what was found out... but they had hard starts as well as fouled plugs. Maybe the oil had been filled too high?? As far as the wheelie thing.... with the 'flies' left in.. the bike is restricted down low. If you want a power wheelie... you need to hit it at 6000rpms in stock form. Although if you hold it open it should torque wheelie at around 7000rpms. With factory gearing and the flies removed, I can power wheelie in 2nd gear. Use the search above and see if you can find some of the threads for more info... Good Luck!! (Does it dry rev okay... is it only sluggish under load???)
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BlackMagic14
Needs a job
Posts: 2058
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posted June 12, 2008 08:59 PM
Check the air filter.
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted June 13, 2008 10:01 AM
Call me. I'm in Seattle right now, might be able to help you out. 425-345-5544
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'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 14, 2008 08:58 PM
I'd like to update the string a bit. But first special thanks to Sticks_n_Stones for providing his number and a few minutes of his time and advice.
I did make it home with no issues. The wind was at my back this time and the bike enjoyed the cool night air. I didn't have the nerve to pull the bike apart in a parking lot. I did check a few of things mentioned. The spark plugs I could reach looked okay. The air box was dry and just slightly dusty. There was a presence of oil on the lower left fairing, coinciding with the plugs I couldn't reach.
This morning I took it to a Kawasaki dealer and a few techs looked at it. They could see oil around the Head Gasket, and it this point, feel that I've blown a head gasket. Don't know how...
They didn't have time in their busy Saturday morning schedule to pull the bike apart and look at it. The best I could get was "June 25th".
It's going to be a long 11 days. And if they are right, it'll be a lot longer than that!!
Well, at least I still have the 900 to play with. It's still fun to ride, but it won't be the same...
Thanks again Everybody!!
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted June 16, 2008 05:19 AM
Dang sorry Some Guy, I was hoping it was something simpler. Good Luck on waiting patiently!
Next time you're in the area give me a call and we can go for a ride, lots of great roads around here. And if you're down in the Tacoma/Olympia area Mt. St. Helens and Ranier are always good rides.
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'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 26, 2008 12:10 PM
Hello Everybody. Just thought I'd update you all.
I got my 14 back yesterday. What a nice surprise. I thought they'd have it a month. (I'm normally quite optimistic). While I totally expected it to be a spark plug related issue, I'm not sure of what I've been told.
They say that Spark Plug 1 was fowled and black with oil. They say this occurs when you start the bike cold and then shut it off before allowing it to completely warm up, (140 degrees). This causes the "enricher" to start and it does not or is not able to shut itself off because there's no power to it.
While this sounds logical, I don't understand how oil is seen in the front of the engine and runs off the side of the lower fairing. I haven't poked around in there yet. I just took his word for it, packed my saddle bags and headed for the long trip to Seattle. The ride was great and the bike felt strong. (Still no power wheelies, but I can barely hold on when whacking on the throttle),.
I really need to get good taking out those plugs. This was not covered under warranty? I'm not a big guy, but I can't fit my had in there to even grasp the plug wire, much less remove it.
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted June 26, 2008 12:25 PM
You should never have to take those plugs out. Dealer is full of shit IMO. The only time you should be taking them out is at 15000+ miles when you feel guilty about still using the original plugs.
Do you have an aftermarket oil filter? I forgot what you told me about your bike when you called. If you do, you might have made the same mistake I made and oiled it too much. That K&N oil will seep around the throttle bodies and leak out everywhere for a bit. After a hundred miles or so it should stop. It says "light application of oil" and means it. 
PM or call me and we can ride
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted June 26, 2008 01:47 PM
No modifcations to anything in the running of the system, strictly cosmentic. Like I said, the box was totally dry. Stock air cleaner.
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted June 27, 2008 09:45 AM
Don't know what to tell you then without seeing it myself.
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'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted June 27, 2008 02:31 PM
go run the hell out of it that will clear the system, be safe of course 
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted June 27, 2008 09:49 PM
Does anyone elses gas cap vent sound like a dial up modem whistling on a hot day? Lol because mine sure as hell does
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted June 28, 2008 07:14 AM
gas cap venting is normal, yes it whistles
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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BIGZXDADDY
Expert Class
Posts: 270
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posted June 28, 2008 05:55 PM
there is an easy fix for the whistling fuel tank vent. remove the filler cap from the tank, remove back from filler cap, do not turn over with back off or parts will fall out, in the center rear of the cap is the pressure release spring and flap, remove the spring retainer and the spring, cut two coils from the spring and reassemble- no more whistle
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"never drive faster than you can see, besides it's all in the reflexes"
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bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted June 29, 2008 08:17 PM
First time that I heard it I thought that my ecu was skitzing out lol. I was like wtf is that?
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Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted June 30, 2008 05:51 AM
Tea is on! lol
Edit my last post: I meant "oil the aftermarket air filter", not oil the oil filter... oops
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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